Rabies Policy at Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital

  To Our Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital Community,

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of the central nervous system that affects mammals, including humans, as well as our canine and feline patients. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Whether your pet goes outside or is indoor-only, they are still considered at risk. Unfortunately, if an animal becomes infected, the chance of survival is exceedingly low.

At Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital, it is our policy to ensure that all patients who are of age and in proper health receive their rabies vaccination. For cats, this vaccine is administered annually. For dogs, the vaccine is given every three years after an initial one-year dose. To ensure the safety of both our staff and your pet, we are unable to handle any animals that are not vaccinated for rabies.

Michigan law requires that all dogs older than four months of age be vaccinated against rabies. Although it is not legally required for cats, we strongly recommend that they remain vaccinated. Additionally, in the United States, a “positive” rabies antibody titer is not recognized as a valid substitute for vaccination and does not fulfill the legal requirement.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at frontdesk@wvhcares.com, and we will be happy to address them.

Thank you for your continued support of our community here at Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital.                                  

Dr. Eberly's Retirement

Dear Valued Clients and Friends,

I hope you and your beloved pets are doing well. I wanted to take a

moment to share some exciting yet bittersweet personal news with you. After much

consideration and reflection, I have decided to embark on a new journey in my career.

I will start a mobile practice serving Brighton Michigan, my home community in January.

This decision was difficult, as it meant stepping away from the day-to-day

responsibilities as a full-time associate and medical director at WVH.

I am deeply grateful for your trust in me over the last decade. I cherish

the special relationships I have formed with both you and your furry family members. It

has been an absolute joy to be a part of your pet’s life. I have cherished every moment.

Watching your pets thrive and providing them with care in times of need has been one

of the greatest joys in my career.

As I transition to this new chapter of my professional life, please rest assured that Drs

Butler, and Butman, and our entire staff will continue to provide the excellent care you

expect from Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital. Your pets will always hold a special place

in my heart, and I am stepping away fully confident they will continue to receive the best care possible.

Wishing you and your pets all the absolute best in health and happiness.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dr. Crystal Eberly

Kindred Spirits: Remembering the Pets We Have Lost

Sharing your loss helps others cope with theirs

Jaxson Spellman

I love the idea of remembering our fur babies that are no longer with us but always in our hearts. As you may remember Jaxson was always smiling and ready to give you his paw or kiss, even when you would be examining him. Loved by all who knew him and one big goofball and made everyday special. Jaxson was with me for thirteen years passing soon after he turned 14. I miss him everyday but know he is still with me. Below are two of my favorite pictures of him.

Willa Light

In Honor of Willa Light. 5/2/12-6/10/24 “Little Willie” she was often called. She had these clear, deep dark brown eyes. On day one riding home, she turned and looked right up into my eyes like she didn’t know where we were going, but she was pretty sure it would be great. Willa was first and foremost a people person. If she met you as a puppy along her two daily walks from her first day with us till her last day of her 12 years, she never forgot you. She definitely had her favorite human friends. To the rest of the world, she was a quiet, sweet observer. She could often be seen at her very full toy box mulling over which one to grab. She loved a new squeaker, but it was usually just one or two favorites she’d pick … a bear or a frog. After dinner or an extra afternoon play period she’d run like the wind squeak, squeak, squeak. Her best trick she learned with her dad, her chosen person. With two tennis balls, one in her mouth and the other she swatted with her paw and watched it fly across the room. But don’t try to take “her” ball because that wasn’t part of the game. Your role was to chase the swatted tennis ball as she happily bounced along behind you.  And the game began again. So many stories to tell over her 12 years with us. For me it was simple. She always greeted me at the door. On her not so good days she’d wait for me in her bed by the door, on good days she could barely contain her excitement at the threshold. Instinctively she recognized my car sound as I came down the street. We fell in love with her from the start, and we love her still. “We so miss you little Willie!”  We’ll be at that rainbow bridge along with 5 older furry others you’ll get to meet. Her people… Love…. the 4 grannies. Your neighbor friends and dad and mom…Gary and Gail Light

Kaya Ranville

We lost Kaya in February. Here's a great shot from our last trip with her before she got ill. She was a loyal companion and a sweet soul. We miss her every day.

Skittles Aldrich

For Sweet Skittles. Thank you, Dr. Butler, for loving her like she was your own. We miss her every day.

Twiggy Griffin

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. They depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog. It merely expands the heart. When you have loved many dogs, your heart is very big.

Merry

My friend just lost her dog yesterday. She lives in Colorado; my heart sank when she told me Merry succumbed to her cancer. She was the bestest marshmallow. Miss Merry quite contrary.


Fall Newsletter 2024

Congress considering a bill to help citizens with veterinary care costs and pet insurance

Did you know that Congress is working to pass a bill allowing you to use your Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) for veterinary care costs?

 

Cryo Surgery offered at WVH

WVH has a new cryosurgery unit that allows us to treat your pet with small skin bumps, skin tags, and eyelid masses without general anesthesia and traditional surgery. Most visits can occur in a normal appointment time with minimal stress and no pain to your pet.

 

Clinic Procedural Reminders

*Please make an appointment for each pet that needs to be seen. We have appointment allotments for multiple pet appointments. These slots must be assigned when you schedule your appointment. If you bring multiple pets to a single-pet appointment, we can only see a single pet during that appointment.

*Technician appointments are with a technician, not with a doctor. If you need your pet to be seen by a doctor please let reception know when you schedule your pet's appointment. A technician cannot diagnose bumps or treat illnesses like anal gland infections.

*When your pet is scheduled for surgery or any anesthetized procedure, please make sure they are fasted after 9 pm the evening before surgery. We also encourage that you allow your pet urinate and defecate at home in the morning before being dropped off for surgery.

*Please give us 24 hours to complete a refill request. We want you to know that we work to get all your requests done as quickly as possible.

 

Did you know?

Flea infestations in people's homes occur mostly in the fall. We have had many families suffering from home flea infestations in the last couple of weeks. Fleas like a moderate to tropical environment, so they look for warm bodies to come into our homes when the weather starts getting cold. If your pet is not protected against fleas and ticks during the fall months, they will become transportation to get into your house for the bugs that no longer want to be outside. This applies to dogs and cats. Both need monthly prevention in the fall months, probably more than any other time of the year. If you experience a Flea Infestation click on the link below for some guidelines to follow.